Kiev, Ukraine

About Ukraine

Ukraine is situated in the south-eastern part of Central Europe and has its own territory, government, national emblem, flag and anthem.

The territory of Ukraine is mostly a level, treeless plain, calls "steppe". There are the Crimean Mountains in the Crimean peninsula and the Carpathians in the west, but they are not very high. Mixed forests of pine and fir-trees, beeches, limes, oaks and elms cover the mountains, but the thickest woods can still be found in the northern part of the republic, in Volyn. Kiev and Cherkassy lie in the midst of Ukrainian southernmost pine forest. The main Ukrainian river is the Dnieper. It is one of the longest European rivers and one of the republic's main source of hydroelectric power. The Dnieper and its tributary the Ross had been the cradle of the Ukrainian and Russian people in time immemorial.

The climate of the country is moderate. Winter is rather mild, with no severe frosts but with regular snowfalls everywhere except the south. The rivers and lakes freeze in winter. The average winter temperature varies -20 Centigrade in the north to -3-5 in the south. Summer is quite hot and dry, with occasional showers and thunderstorms. The fertile black soil is well watered in spring and autumn and gets plenty of sunshine in summer.

Ukraine has long been associated with its much larger and more powerful neighbour Russia and first came under Russian control in the 1650s when the only real alternative was invasion by the Poles.

By the 19th century, although the western part of Ukraine was under Austro-Hungarian control, the remainder (and majority) became part of the Russian Empire. After various attempts at independence around the period of the 1917 Russian Revolution, Ukraine became a republic within the USSR and its territory enlarged slightly around the time of World War II. Crimea became part of Ukraine in 1954 and, due to its predominantly Russian population and strategic position on the Black Sea, is still the subject of ongoing dispute between Ukraine and Russia.

In 1986, in the final years of the Soviet era and during the Perestroika period of President Gorbachev, the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear plant in northern Ukraine brought worldwide attention, and was arguably a significant factor in accelerating the collapse of the Soviet Union.

About Kiev

Kiev, Ukraine offers an array of Kiev hotels and Kiev private apartments to suit the needs of any traveler.

Kiev is a welcoming, beautiful city located in the north central portion of Ukraine. The capital of the Ukraine, Kiev is a river city of parks, trees and rolling hills that offers a pleasant hometown feel combined with the style of a major trend-setting European city.

Kiev is not simply the capital of Ukraine, it is also the mother city for all Eastern Slavic peoples. Kievan Rus, whose descendents include Ukraine, Russia and Belarus was established between the 9th and 11th centuries. The Russian Orthodox Church and all Eastern Slavic art and architecture originated here. This city is truly rich in history and stunning architecture. Kiev has stood the test of time, surviving many enemies including Mongol invasions, devastating fires, communist urban planning, and the massive destruction of world war 2. Even though you will find modern Kiev to be more cosmopolitan than any other city in the country, you will still find gracious testaments to its tumultuous history.

The population in Kiev is right about 4 million people. The official language is Ukrainian, but most people speak Russian.

There are numerous museums and fabulous old churches and cathedrals to visit while in Kiev. You may also enjoy a boat ride along the snaking Dnipro river which divides the city in two.

Kiev is not only blessed with some of the most beautiful women in the world, but with great culture as well. The Shevchenko Opera and Ballet Theatre was built in 1901 and is a very impressive building. It is the venue for some of the best Opera and Ballet performances found anywhere.

The restaurants and shops this capital city abound. You can find anything form traditional Ukrainian cuisine to Mexican food all with a distinctly Ukrainian flair. There is never a problem finding a Ukrainian souvenir to bring back among the hundreds of shops and kiosks.

This is a city that is yet again struggling to find it’s identity in the ever changing political landscape. The people of Kiev are strong and proud of their heritage, and we feel lucky to have the opportunity to visit this great city and partake in its hospitality.

Kiev is an ancient city with a millennial history. It is more than 1500 years old.

We invite you to visit the main attractions in Kiev: Sophia Cathedral, St. Michael's Cathedral, the Pechersk Lavra, Museum of the Great Patriotic War, acting Florovsky nunnery, Andryivsky descent, and many others ... You can travel down the Dnieper River on a pleasure boat, visit parks and museums. By the way, tickets to the National Opera and Ballet Theater are just 10–20 dollars.

Nighlife of Kiev won’t also leave you indifferent. Plenty of bars and nightclubs can attract your attention, such as “Chameleon”, “Caribbean Club”, “Sorry, Babushka”.

It’s better to settle in the center of the city. That is: Khreschatyk Street, Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) and adjacent streets.

Kiev is a rather quiet city. You can safely walk in the evening or at night down city streets. On the streets you can hear both Russian and Ukrainian speech and also their mix (surzhik). More and more people, especially young people, learn foreign languages.

From April to October the weather in Kiev is rather warm. In this time of year you can take many-hour walks down the city, and May to September – even swim and sunbathe on the numerous beaches on the Dnieper and nearby lakes.

There are lots of bars, restaurants, cafes, eateries and bistros in Kiev. Cuisines of different nations of the world are available in Kiev. You can have a coffee for a few hryvnia on the street from a plastic cup, and for $20 in the bar of Intercontinental hotel.

It’s fashionable to live both in hotels and in apartments, for different tastes and budgets again. The average one-room apartment in the city center with every convenience will cost you 50-70 euro (http://www.bantik.kiev.ua).

Hotels in the center are Ukraine, Kozatskyi, Dnipro.... ets

It is normal to get acquainted with the girls on the street. You can safely start a conversation with a girl, make an acquaintance with her and even exchanged phone numbers.

Discover Kiev! Welcome!

Useful phone numbers

Acute care tel.103

Militia tel.102

http://amcenters.com/ American Medical Centers

Guide in Kiev:
mailto:agapekiev@mail.ru
+380677083638

If you have any questions feel free to ask me!

Anastasiya

Questions and answers

I want to take my laptop (cellphone charger, hair styler, etc.) to Ukaine. Will it work here?

Ukraine uses AC 220 V, 50 Hz. Old Soviet sockets are Europlug-compatible, without central grounding pin. Newer ones are Schuko.

What is the currency unit of Ukraine?

The currency is Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH).

What about mobile communication and Internet in Ukraine?

In Ukraine, you can buy an inexpensive phone and SIM card . Then buy recharge cards and mobile services.

Moving across Ukraine

On the territory of Ukraine it is convenient to travel by car, plane, train. In Ukraine there's a well-developed network of railways. Tickets are inexpensive. For example, in the U.S., most people travel by cars and airplanes. In Ukraine they travel by train. Cars come in three classes — second-class cars, compartment cars and sleeping cars. In the train you can order tea, coffee, food. In the city you can ride by subway, bus, trolleybus, tram (one ride costs a few cents). Taxi service is also not expencive in Ukraine.

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